Improving Paediatric Patient Outcomes with Augmented Reality: A Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) has emerged as a transformative tool in paediatric healthcare, offering immersive and interactive experiences that can alleviate anxiety, enhance procedural compliance, and improve overall patient outcomes. This systematic review synthesizes clinical evidence from peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2024 to evaluate the efficacy of AR interventions in paediatric settings. Following PRISMA guidelines, we screened 45 studies and included 10 that met predefined criteria for methodological rigor and relevance. The selected studies span diverse clinical environments, including emergency departments, oncology units, and rehabilitation centers. AR applications ranged from distraction techniques during painful procedures to educational tools for chronic disease management and preoperative preparation. Across studies, AR interventions consistently demonstrated positive effects on emotional well-being, pain perception, and patient engagement. Notably, AR-based distraction reduced procedural pain by up to 40%, while preoperative AR experiences significantly lowered anxiety levels in both children and their caregivers. Despite promising results, limitations such as small sample sizes, lack of long-term follow-up, and variability in AR platforms highlight the need for more standardized and large-scale randomized controlled trials. Future research should explore integration with wearable technologies and personalized AR experiences to optimize clinical impact. This review underscores the potential of AR to revolutionize paediatric care by making medical experiences more tolerable, informative, and engaging for young patients. As technology continues to evolve, AR stands poised to become a cornerstone of child-centered healthcare innovations.